Jenny Butcher
Bachelor of Environments Alumni: Physical Systems

I chose the Bachelor of Environments because I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to do in the future and Environments seemed likea good way of keeping my options open for either environmental engineering or science. I also liked the idea of having the opportunity to study a broad range of subjects in different fields.

I decided to major in Physical Systems because I enjoyed the challenge of the maths involved in it, and am very curious in the way things work in everyday life. I also wanted to do something to do with the environment, and this major allowed me to do both.

My favourite subjects were Urban Environments because it focussed on past and present cities, and what makes them evolve or collapse, and Hydrogeology. I chose Hydrogeology on a whim as an elective subject and it turned out to be the most enjoyable subject of my entire degree. It was very interesting, with a fantastic lecturer, and will most likely influence what I want to do in the future.

To me, studying at the University of Melbourne meant great opportunities would be available to me (like going to Papua New Guinea) and I would be surrounded by bright and innovative students and teachers.

My advice to new students is to research your course and options thoroughly, and plan your degree in advance. Make sure you cover core subjects, and support your degree with subjects relevant to your interests and career goals. Also keep your eye out for activities or groups you can get involved with around uni.

I am looking forward to hopefully going on exchange at the end of the year, and getting involved in work experience once I am back next year.

The BEnvs helped prepare me for my future in that it has allowed me to do a wide range of subjects which complement each other, and have broadened my general knowledge. I have friends from Environments that have gone on to do architecture, construction, property and geomatics.As all these industries are interlinked, it is great that we can all discuss our respective careers and responsibilities, and query each other when we need to.

Five words that sum me up are friendly, inquisitive, organised, mature and driven.

My personal motto is: don’t let anyone tell you you can’t do something.

JENNY IS NOW DOING GRADUATE STUDY

I chose to do graduate study in Engineering because I need to (and want to) further my engineering knowledge and specialise in environmental engineering.

It’s different studying at graduate level because the workload is a lot greater not in terms of quantity, but in terms of the quality of the work you deliver. You are expected to go do extra research, but I have so far enjoyed this as I can tell I am learning a great deal more, and am more passionate about what I am learning.

In my Masters I am looking forward to exchange at the end of the year. This will give me the opportunity to live and learn in a new environment, and will benefit my understanding of engineering in another country.

What inspires you at Uni? I am always surrounded by so many intelligent and passionate students that it inspires me to want to learn more, and achieve better results at uni.